Five Years of Progress Weaves a New Story
Escape the City and Return to Nature and Yoga for 10 Days
October 22–31, 2025
Karma Yoga Retreat at Sri Ashram – Registration Now Open!
Five years have passed since we first held a retreat in November 2020, when we encountered the land in Kumamoto with no clear vision of the future. Over 200 participants have joined us since then, and with their wisdom and cooperation, we have gradually shaped Sri Ashram into its current form, step by step.
This retreat will once again take place near Kinpouzan mountain in Kawachi, Kumamoto. Through yoga practice and karma yoga (including construction, gardening, and cooking), we will spend time together purifying our karma and dedicating our actions to all living beings. Organized by the Zuddha Lotus Yoga School, this retreat is infused with the essence of a yogic lifestyle.
This year, thanks to the enthusiastic support of crowdfunding, participation is free! 🙏
Please pour your energy, sweat, tears, and laughter into Sri Ashram with love!
(Note: Participants are responsible for meal costs, hot spring fees, and other personal expenses.)
📖 What You’ll Learn During the Retreat
・Meditation
・Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)
・Asana (Yoga Poses)
・Yoga Philosophy
A hallmark of this retreat is the opportunity to diligently study and practice traditional yoga every day, akin to a dedicated spiritual practice. As Japan’s first yoga ashram and eco-village project, we hope your learning and growth will flourish here.
Priority is given to those who can participate fully for the entire 10 days. We look forward to meeting many of you and sharing this meaningful experience!
Brahma Dome
Completed in 2022
Saucha Sanctuary
Completed by end of 2025
Saraswati Dome
Currently under construction
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor Deck
Lawn Area
A Unique Journey to Experience the “Power of Yoga” and “Sustainable Ashram Construction”
This retreat is not solely focused on completing construction or land development. Instead, it emphasizes the process, valuing connection with fellow participants, practicing asana (yoga) and yoga philosophy in nature, enjoying vegetarian meals, and engaging in service-oriented work. Rooted in the principle of “Yoga = Integration,” the retreat aims to foster a sense of co-creating a shared lifestyle through collective harmony and effort.
At Sri Ashram, enveloped in an atmosphere of shanti (peace), we harmonize body and mind. During your stay, you’ll experience a camping lifestyle ⛺️, waking before the birds begin to sing.
The day starts with meditation in serene silence, followed by breathing exercises and asana practice. After enjoying a sublime savasana (corpse pose) on the lawn, we gather to sip Zuddha Yoga’s signature spicy chai.
During the day, participants split into teams for gardening, DIY projects, workshops with children, or other tasks, contributing their unique skills. Karma yoga, performed with a clear mind, becomes a meditative, focused practice—akin to a profound meditation.
This retreat is enriched by the participation of volunteer yoga instructors who continue their own practice, making it a rare opportunity, especially for beginners, to receive guidance from experienced practitioners. Beyond asana, you’ll dive into yoga philosophy and immerse yourself in a concentrated yogic lifestyle.
Everyone Is Both a Student and a Teacher
Even the smallest contributions matter, as everyone is born with a unique role to play. By engaging with nature and letting go of ego and attachments in communal outdoor living, you’ll embark on a journey to discover true freedom and the essence of comfort.
Join us in creating an extraordinary adventure unlike any other in the world!
Daily Schedule
4:30 AM: Begin outdoor meditation in noble silence, surrounded by nature.
5:00–7:30 AM: Practice Kriya yoga breathing techniques and asana to harmonize body and mind.
7:45 AM: Breakfast – Enjoy signature chai with light snacks like bananas or nuts.
8:30 AM–12:00 PM: Karma Yoga – Work in teams on gardening, DIY projects, or children’s workshops, contributing your skills.
12:30 PM: Lunch – Savor delicious vegetarian meals prepared by culinary experts in a communal style.
1:30–4:00 PM: Karma Yoga – Continue team-based tasks.
4:30 PM: Cleaning and tidying up.
5:00 PM: Satsang (Gathering of Truth) – Study yoga philosophy through the Bhagavad Gita.
6:30 PM: Dinner & Kirtan (Sound Yoga) – Enjoy a meal followed by devotional chanting.
7:30 PM: Hot Spring – Relax at the famous Kusamakura Onsen, featured in Soseki Natsume’s Kusamakura.
9:30 PM: Noble Silence & Bedtime – Enter a quiet period for rest.
Retreat Highlights
- Participate in building Japan’s first authentic yoga ashram.
- Experience karma purification and dedication to all living beings through karma yoga (temple construction, gardening, cooking, etc.).
- Study daily with world-renowned yoga teacher Waylon, learning yoga training, philosophy, mantras, and kirtan (sound yoga).
- Live close to nature through a camping experience, grounding yourself in the earth (participants must bring their own tents; commuting is allowed for locals).
- Enjoy healthy vegetarian meals prepared by professional chefs.
Registration Details
- Priority Registration: Preference is given to those who can participate for the full 10 days.
- Minimum Participation: A minimum of 3 days is required to register.
- Agreement: Participants must agree to Sri Ashram’s rules and regulations.
- Families with Children: For participants with children (kindergarten age or younger), a responsible adult must supervise their safety at all times.
- Equipment: Participants are responsible for bringing their own camping gear. Details on required items will be shared via the participants’ Facebook group after registration.
- Liability: Illness, injury, accidents, or theft during the retreat are the participant’s responsibility. Medical expenses for illness or injury are also the participant’s responsibility. We recommend having national health insurance or similar coverage during the retreat.
Costs
- Meals: A flat fee of ¥20,000 covers food and utilities for the entire period, regardless of participation length (due to bulk purchasing).
- Additional Costs: Transportation, camping equipment, and hot spring fees (~¥600 per visit) are the participant’s responsibility.
- Special Rates: Those regularly practicing karma yoga at Sri Ashram or enrolled in the Fall 2025 TTC program may contact us for special arrangements.
- Donation Request: If possible, please consider making a donation to support Sri Ashram at the end of the retreat.
How to Apply
To register for the Karma Yoga Retreat at Sri Ashram, please contact the Sri Ashram office via the button below. Due to high demand, priority will be given to full 10-day participants, those with skills in gardening, construction, or cooking, and those demonstrating enthusiasm for the retreat. Please share your background and motivation for joining in your application.
Apply by Email
Online Donations
Sri Ashram welcomes donations at any time. For those unable to attend due to time or distance, please consider supporting us through donations or sharing on social media. Your support in any form is greatly appreciated!
